HB251 Summary

• Authorizes wireless providers to collocate, mount, or install small wireless facilities on existing poles and install new poles in state and local rights-of-way as a permitted use subject to Section 3 requirements.

• Exempts small wireless facilities located in rights-of-way from zoning review and approval if they comply with the act and FCC regulations.

• Establishes application deadlines of 60 days for collocation on existing structures and 90 days for new or replacement poles, with automatic approval if authorities fail to act within specified timeframes.

• Sets nondiscriminatory permit fees capped at $500 for collocation applications, $250 for pole modifications, and $1,000 for new poles; annual access fees capped at $100 per facility and $170 per year for pole collocation.

• Excludes electric provider poles and equipment from the act and requires wireless providers to carry insurance ($2 million commercial general liability minimum) and indemnify authorities for damages arising from wireless provider negligence or wrongful acts.